Biojet fuel propels Qantas' historic transpacific flight

The world’s first dedicated biofuel flight between the U.S. and Australia, QF96 from Los Angeles to Melbourne, was scheduled to depart Jan. 29.

The historic transpacific 15-hour flight will operate with approximately 24,000 kilograms of blended biofuel, saving 18,000 kilograms in carbon emissions.

Qantas will use biofuel processed from Brassica Carinata, a nonfood, industrial type of mustard seed, developed by Canadian-based agricultural-technology company, Agrisoma Biosciences.

The flight is part of the partnership announced in 2017 that will also see the companies work with Australian farmers to grow the country’s first commercial aviation biofuel seed crop by 2020.

Qantas International CEO Alison Webster said it was fitting that the airline’s game-changing Dreamliner 787-9 will showcase the future of sustainable aviation.

“The Qantas Dreamliner marks an exciting new era of innovation and travel,” Webster said. “The aircraft is more fuel efficient and generates fewer greenhouse emissions than similarly sized aircraft and today’s flight will see a further reduction on this route. Our partnership with Agrisoma marks a big step in the development of a renewable jetfuel industry in Australia—it is a project we are really proud to be part of as we look at ways to reduce carbon emissions across our operations.”

Across its lifecycle, using Carinata-derived biofuel can reduce carbon emissions by 80 percent compared to traditional jet fuel.

The 10 percent biofuel blend used on this flight will therefore see a 7 percent reduction in emissions on this route compared to normal operations.

Carinita requires no specialized production or processing techniques. It is water efficient and the University of Queensland field trials in Gatton, Queensland, and in Bordertown, South Australia, have demonstrated it should do very well in the Australian climate.

It is sown in either fallow areas where food crops fail or in between regular crop cycles, known as “cover cropping.” Rotational or break-crops can improve soil quality, reduce erosion for food crops and provide farmers with additional income.

“Biojet fuel made from Carinata delivers both oil for biofuel and protein for animal nutrition while also enhancing the soil it’s grown in,” he said. “We are excited about the potential of the crop in Australia and look forward to working with local farmers and Qantas to develop a clean energy source for the local aviation industry.”

Qantas’ first transpacific biofuel flight was made possible with the support of AltAir Fuels and World Fuel Services.

QF96 was scheduled to depart LAX on Jan. 28 and arrive in Melbourne on Jan. 30 (local time).